Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in London, United Kingdom

Primrose Bakery - by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:50:29 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 5.00

Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!Yummy Victoria Sponge goes down well with their tea. My girlfriend always has the Carrot cake cupcake which is really good too!

Kitchen & Pantry - My experience at Kitchen and Pantry by Yoyo

Yoyo — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:56:16 +0000

Review by Yoyo

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7727 8888

Tags: quick bite, cosy, good brew

Just visiting London for Business and found this comfy Cafe house in Notting Hill. For anybody visiting the Kitchen and Pantry be aware that the staff is rude and unhelpful. The cafe and food is satisfactory.Just visiting London for Business and found this comfy Cafe house in Notting Hill. For anybody visiting the Kitchen and Pantry be aware that the staff is rude and unhelpful. The cafe and food is satisfactory.

You Don't Bring Me Flowers - by Uplifted

Uplifted — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:51:08 +0000

Review by Uplifted

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8297 2333

Website: http://www.youdontbringmeflowers.co.uk/

Tags: cultured, good brew, quiet & relaxed

Superb in every way. My first visit with my husband will be one of many. It's November now, and it's cosy and welcoming; we're looking forward to the summer months and the sun terrace.Superb in every way. My first visit with my husband will be one of many. It's November now, and it's cosy and welcoming; we're looking forward to the summer months and the sun terrace.

Foyles Cafe - One of my favorites in London by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:00:14 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 5660

Tags: quick bite, cultured, crowded

Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).

Chamomile - Chamomile - nice coffee, shame about the staff by monkeypuzzle

monkeypuzzle — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:40:04 +0000

Review by monkeypuzzle

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7586 4580

Tags: crowded, good brew, proper food

This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.This cafe has a nice location and a really pretty good menu with lots of healthy breakfasts, and options for lunch. The coffee isn't bad either. It is also tucked away on a sweet road near Belsize park. It's just a shame that the staff are so objectionable and actively make the experience of dining there unpleasant. Their level of agression towards the customers is so strange that I wondered if I was actually in some TV stunt or psychological experiment to measure the effect of bullying on diners. I watched as a mother was actually frog-marched out of the cafe by a really rude waitress and was forced to dress the screaming infant on the road outside where it was raining . I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Aren't families allowed in cafes? The baby hadn't even finished it's breakfast.

I'm not going back in a hurry.

Healthy Appetite - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:45:26 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8741 2998

Tags: takeaway

Appetite in Hammersmith is a small takeaway with some seating. They do Fish and Chips, burgers and the like as well but seem to be a popular kebab destination for the local crowd.

It was raining so I dined inside at one of the small tables they have in the back of the shop. The Lamb shish was decent and they kept the cubes whole, which is preferable to slicing into them during cooking, although it takes longer to cook. I asked for lots of Chilli AND some Garlic sauce. The fresh Chilli sauce was very tomato based but still spicy with a medium heat. The Garlic was very "herby" and overpowered the weaker Chilli. At least it was not a sweet Chilli sauce from a squirty bottle - so this place still gets my vote over the fairly nearby Charcoal Grill of the two Hammersmith joints I have recently sampled.

The service was very commendable - my server was very careful to build the Kebab to my specifications and had a friendly manner. All in all if you are in the W6 area this is a fair option.
Appetite in Hammersmith is a small takeaway with some seating. They do Fish and Chips, burgers and the like as well but seem to be a popular kebab destination for the local crowd.

It was raining so I dined inside at one of the small tables they have in the back of the shop. The Lamb shish was decent and they kept the cubes whole, which is preferable to slicing into them during cooking, although it takes longer to cook. I asked for lots of Chilli AND some Garlic sauce. The fresh Chilli sauce was very tomato based but still spicy with a medium heat. The Garlic was very "herby" and overpowered the weaker Chilli. At least it was not a sweet Chilli sauce from a squirty bottle - so this place still gets my vote over the fairly nearby Charcoal Grill of the two Hammersmith joints I have recently sampled.

The service was very commendable - my server was very careful to build the Kebab to my specifications and had a friendly manner. All in all if you are in the W6 area this is a fair option.

X L N T - by ColmMcMullan

ColmMcMullan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:49 +0000

Review by ColmMcMullan

Rating: 5.00Excellent and incredibly cheap english breakfast - Â£3.50 for a full cooked breakfast with toast and tea or coffee. I have no idea how they do it but it's great value.

If you're looking for pure personality and character then head to the Regency Cafe (http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1v6wn8/regency-cafe) but if you just want a super breakfast for almost half the price then XLNT will hit the spot.Excellent and incredibly cheap english breakfast - Â£3.50 for a full cooked breakfast with toast and tea or coffee. I have no idea how they do it but it's great value.

If you're looking for pure personality and character then head to the Regency Cafe (http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1v6wn8/regency-cafe) but if you just want a super breakfast for almost half the price then XLNT will hit the spot.

Regency Cafe - by ColmMcMullan

ColmMcMullan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0000

Review by ColmMcMullan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7821 6596

Tags: lively, crowded, proper food

The authentic London cafe, if you only ever go to one make it this one.

The set breakfast on a Saturday morning is a great start to the weekend and the booming voice shouting out when your order is ready really is something to be experienced - just make sure you're ready when it's your order that's called :)

Good service, good food. There are cheaper alternatives nearby (see XLNT: http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1a72m7w/x-l-n-t) but the Regency has great personality and is a must visit.The authentic London cafe, if you only ever go to one make it this one.

The set breakfast on a Saturday morning is a great start to the weekend and the booming voice shouting out when your order is ready really is something to be experienced - just make sure you're ready when it's your order that's called :)

Good service, good food. There are cheaper alternatives nearby (see XLNT: http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1a72m7w/x-l-n-t) but the Regency has great personality and is a must visit.

Sacred Cafe - Great coffee a few steps from Regent St by pinotlover

pinotlover — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:22:26 +0000

Review by pinotlover

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 1415

Website: http://www.sacredcafe.co.uk/

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Why have Italians not discovered the flat white? This is the best way possible to do coffee with milk - a shot of espresso topped with textured, not frothed, milk.
Friendy service from mainly Kiwi staff and cosy ambience especially in the basement. For something different try the lolly cake... crushed malt biscuits and marshmallows bound together with butter and condensed milk and rolled in dried coconut. (tastes better than it sounds). Another Kiwi invention apparently.Why have Italians not discovered the flat white? This is the best way possible to do coffee with milk - a shot of espresso topped with textured, not frothed, milk.
Friendy service from mainly Kiwi staff and cosy ambience especially in the basement. For something different try the lolly cake... crushed malt biscuits and marshmallows bound together with butter and condensed milk and rolled in dried coconut. (tastes better than it sounds). Another Kiwi invention apparently.

The Table - by EileenH

EileenH — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:58:08 +0000

Review by EileenH

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7401 2760

Website: http://www.thetablecafe.com

Tags: southwark, good brew, quick bite

Nice food but wouldn't recommend Sundays, too busy. When I complained that our order appeared to get lost I was told they had 'More customers than they could cope with'. A lesson there I think. Be aware that the discretionary 12.5% service charge is at their discretion not yours! Donâ¬"t sit by the door either, very windy!Nice food but wouldn't recommend Sundays, too busy. When I complained that our order appeared to get lost I was told they had 'More customers than they could cope with'. A lesson there I think. Be aware that the discretionary 12.5% service charge is at their discretion not yours! Donâ¬"t sit by the door either, very windy!

Flat White - Service is Flat, But Coffee is More than Alwite by laissezfare

laissezfare — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:45:48 +0000

Review by laissezfare

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 0370

Website: http://www.flat-white.co.uk

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, crowded

[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Although it is really a trek from my office to Flat White, Iâ¬"ve tried this Soho-based coffee house a number of times and almost think Iâ¬"ve walked into a funky little American coffee house on a college campus somewhere. There is always rock music on the radio, the staff sort of ignore you (at least me!) and I donâ¬"t really like the vibe all that much (itâ¬"s a bit up its own backside if you ask me), but the coffee drinks are pretty good. Here, I like the eponymous drink the best.[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Although it is really a trek from my office to Flat White, Iâ¬"ve tried this Soho-based coffee house a number of times and almost think Iâ¬"ve walked into a funky little American coffee house on a college campus somewhere. There is always rock music on the radio, the staff sort of ignore you (at least me!) and I donâ¬"t really like the vibe all that much (itâ¬"s a bit up its own backside if you ask me), but the coffee drinks are pretty good. Here, I like the eponymous drink the best.

Cafe Vergnano - Their Coffee Means Business by laissezfare

laissezfare — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:43:03 +0000

Review by laissezfare

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8922 6308

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, london

[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Set along the shop-fronts on an unlikely stretch of Charing Cross Road (unlikely in the sense that you donâ¬"t expect a serious coffee house here amongst the touristy drek), it is none other than CaffÃ¨ Vergnano 1882. I have been in a number of times now and havenâ¬"t exactly gotten to the bottom of what the 1882 stands for (okay, I havenâ¬"t really tried to find out), but that is beside the point. The small chain has been set up by Luciano Franchi, whose family has been working for three generations in the London food industry. They apparently supply coffee and related machinery to the Italian Embassy, for whatever thatâ¬"s worth.

But the best thing about walking into CaffÃ¨ Vergnano is seeing their gargantuan silver madame, the holy grail of espresso fabrication, the elegant and maniacal stainless steel workhorse that pumps dark brown blood through its veins, the aortic arch from which the pulse of Vergananoâ¬"s espresso emanates. Yeah, itâ¬"s the big honkinâ¬" shiny espresso machine that you canâ¬"t miss from window. It is the Elektra Belle Epoque, and on its crown is perched a peering eagle.

To make a long story short, it makes a mean cup of espresso. Their own blend of espresso is composed of seven single-origin beans (including the elusive and expensive Nicaraguan Maragogype) and it is one of the nicer ones Iâ¬"ve had, certainly one of the top in London. It has a full and broad flavor spectrum and, to me, has a tad more bitterness beneath it than Monmouthâ¬"s, though without being cloying. My favorite incarnation of Vergnanoâ¬"s espresso is a double macchiato, with the little bit of foam providing a tiny cushion of creaminess to offset the fine espresso flavor.

The other thing I like about Vergnano is that it is sort of like an Italian espresso bar. You can order your drink and have it standing up at the counter â¬ or if you want you can sit down or walk out with it. With each coffee they also give you a little Italian biscuit or chocolate (I have never figured out if itâ¬"s the drink you order or the luck of the draw that determines which one you get), and I think itâ¬"s a great little touch. I would probably describe the service at the Charing Cross Road branch as â¬Üprofessionalâ¬". Itâ¬"s not warm, itâ¬"s not touchy, itâ¬"s not personal, but itâ¬"s not rude or mean either. They are just there doing their job and trying to provide you with a good drink.

The gist of it: I havenâ¬"t been to their other branches, but I think that this one is great. No-nonsense accomplished espresso drinks and the holy grail of coffee machines staring you in the face. Plus you get a little treat with your coffee and can stand at the bar.[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Set along the shop-fronts on an unlikely stretch of Charing Cross Road (unlikely in the sense that you donâ¬"t expect a serious coffee house here amongst the touristy drek), it is none other than CaffÃ¨ Vergnano 1882. I have been in a number of times now and havenâ¬"t exactly gotten to the bottom of what the 1882 stands for (okay, I havenâ¬"t really tried to find out), but that is beside the point. The small chain has been set up by Luciano Franchi, whose family has been working for three generations in the London food industry. They apparently supply coffee and related machinery to the Italian Embassy, for whatever thatâ¬"s worth.

But the best thing about walking into CaffÃ¨ Vergnano is seeing their gargantuan silver madame, the holy grail of espresso fabrication, the elegant and maniacal stainless steel workhorse that pumps dark brown blood through its veins, the aortic arch from which the pulse of Vergananoâ¬"s espresso emanates. Yeah, itâ¬"s the big honkinâ¬" shiny espresso machine that you canâ¬"t miss from window. It is the Elektra Belle Epoque, and on its crown is perched a peering eagle.

To make a long story short, it makes a mean cup of espresso. Their own blend of espresso is composed of seven single-origin beans (including the elusive and expensive Nicaraguan Maragogype) and it is one of the nicer ones Iâ¬"ve had, certainly one of the top in London. It has a full and broad flavor spectrum and, to me, has a tad more bitterness beneath it than Monmouthâ¬"s, though without being cloying. My favorite incarnation of Vergnanoâ¬"s espresso is a double macchiato, with the little bit of foam providing a tiny cushion of creaminess to offset the fine espresso flavor.

The other thing I like about Vergnano is that it is sort of like an Italian espresso bar. You can order your drink and have it standing up at the counter â¬ or if you want you can sit down or walk out with it. With each coffee they also give you a little Italian biscuit or chocolate (I have never figured out if itâ¬"s the drink you order or the luck of the draw that determines which one you get), and I think itâ¬"s a great little touch. I would probably describe the service at the Charing Cross Road branch as â¬Üprofessionalâ¬". Itâ¬"s not warm, itâ¬"s not touchy, itâ¬"s not personal, but itâ¬"s not rude or mean either. They are just there doing their job and trying to provide you with a good drink.

The gist of it: I havenâ¬"t been to their other branches, but I think that this one is great. No-nonsense accomplished espresso drinks and the holy grail of coffee machines staring you in the face. Plus you get a little treat with your coffee and can stand at the bar.

Tamra - by macp

macp — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:37:57 +0000

Review by macp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 223 4894

Website: http://www.tamras.co.uk/

Tags: quiet & relaxed, amazing brew, proper food

Found their website
http://www.tamras.co.uk/concept.htmlFound their website
http://www.tamras.co.uk/concept.html

Harvist Tearoom - A great place to be by Dot01

Dot01 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:57:27 +0000

Review by Dot01

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8969 7221

Tags: cultured, lively, quick bite

I came here because I needed wireless internet. They couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. I sat for hours with a couple of coffees in comfort and concentration. The glass front, wooden floors and characterful furniture make it a very pleasant to be.

The food is delicious - home made cakes, cheese and ham croissants and quiches. Self-employed people bring their laptops here to work, mums bring their kids and local shop owners come in for take-out coffees.

Worth popping by if you're in the area. If you live nearby, you must go.I came here because I needed wireless internet. They couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. I sat for hours with a couple of coffees in comfort and concentration. The glass front, wooden floors and characterful furniture make it a very pleasant to be.

The food is delicious - home made cakes, cheese and ham croissants and quiches. Self-employed people bring their laptops here to work, mums bring their kids and local shop owners come in for take-out coffees.

Worth popping by if you're in the area. If you live nearby, you must go.

Taste of Bitter Love - by barbd

barbd — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:30:58 +0000

Review by barbd

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://www.tasteofbitterlove.com/

I'm giving these folks a five star review simply on the strength of their flat white. If you like coffee, and you're in the East, then you have to go there. While Hackney Road's no beautiful vista, and you're a little close to the business end of the buses that trundle past you, it's worth a drop-in just to understand the love that goes into every cup!I'm giving these folks a five star review simply on the strength of their flat white. If you like coffee, and you're in the East, then you have to go there. While Hackney Road's no beautiful vista, and you're a little close to the business end of the buses that trundle past you, it's worth a drop-in just to understand the love that goes into every cup!

Unusual Coffee - Handy and different by Angella

Angella — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:51:24 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7747 4804

Tags: quick bite, crowded

On the walkway between the DLR station and the huge ExCel exhibition hall, a convenient place to meet friends. One foreign exhibitor had parked his wife and child under 12 who could not enter the exhibition.

The unusual coffees seem mainly alcoholic so presumably they have some license required for this. The seating ranges from bar stools to low sofas. They can get quite busy with most seats filled and a queue for service.

I liked the brick walls and beams and arched windows. I thought the ladies toilet blocked by furniture - chairs? was off-putting. A large handicapped toilet is alongside and one lady was trying both doors because both were in use - I suppose drinking coffee means that in a large busy coffee bar there is constant demand for toilets. Coffee was pleasant. Chocolatine was a bit chewy with rubbery chocolate, nothing special. I've rated it as three star although decor was great - because the toilets and queues left my overall feeling one of disappointment. But you might like it and it's very handy for meeting outside the exhibition centre.On the walkway between the DLR station and the huge ExCel exhibition hall, a convenient place to meet friends. One foreign exhibitor had parked his wife and child under 12 who could not enter the exhibition.

The unusual coffees seem mainly alcoholic so presumably they have some license required for this. The seating ranges from bar stools to low sofas. They can get quite busy with most seats filled and a queue for service.

I liked the brick walls and beams and arched windows. I thought the ladies toilet blocked by furniture - chairs? was off-putting. A large handicapped toilet is alongside and one lady was trying both doors because both were in use - I suppose drinking coffee means that in a large busy coffee bar there is constant demand for toilets. Coffee was pleasant. Chocolatine was a bit chewy with rubbery chocolate, nothing special. I've rated it as three star although decor was great - because the toilets and queues left my overall feeling one of disappointment. But you might like it and it's very handy for meeting outside the exhibition centre.

Hot Pepper Jelly - by ndouble

ndouble — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:47:09 +0000

Review by ndouble

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8340 4318

Tags: cosy, lively, quick bite

I've never thought to leave a review of anywhere I've eaten before but this little place is great! The sandwich which the place is named after is amazing and having only been there at the weekend I'm kind of craving another one already (its only Monday)!

It was busy over the weekend but they found us a table and we were made to feel very welcome.

Coffee's good too.

Five stars overall - without a doubt.I've never thought to leave a review of anywhere I've eaten before but this little place is great! The sandwich which the place is named after is amazing and having only been there at the weekend I'm kind of craving another one already (its only Monday)!

It was busy over the weekend but they found us a table and we were made to feel very welcome.

Coffee's good too.

Five stars overall - without a doubt.

The Pantry - Best Coffee in Chingford by lullybaby

lullybaby — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:06:04 +0000

Review by lullybaby

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8524 1824

Tags: cosy, lively, quick bite

I love this place. Best coffee in town. Great food and cakes. Child-friendly with toys, a table and chalk-board wall to keep the little ones occupied whilst you have a coffee. Great children's menu too.I love this place. Best coffee in town. Great food and cakes. Child-friendly with toys, a table and chalk-board wall to keep the little ones occupied whilst you have a coffee. Great children's menu too.

Double Espresso - by Constantine

Constantine — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:52:15 +0000

Review by Constantine

Rating: 4.00This is a great local Italian, with probably the best pizzas in Wandsworth - light, crispy, with their own dough rolled and flattened in front of you. Super pasta, generous portions (I particularly recommend tagliatelle Double Espresso). Friendly, buzzy, happy place. No credit cards or cheques, but you won't need a huge amount of cash!This is a great local Italian, with probably the best pizzas in Wandsworth - light, crispy, with their own dough rolled and flattened in front of you. Super pasta, generous portions (I particularly recommend tagliatelle Double Espresso). Friendly, buzzy, happy place. No credit cards or cheques, but you won't need a huge amount of cash!

Commonwealth Cafe - Bad Service, Average Food... Don't Rush To Go Here by stev1e

stev1e — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:01:30 +0000

Review by stev1e

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8542 5035

Tags: lively, quick bite, good brew

Well we ate in there today and must say that waiting 30 mins for an English breakfast is unacceptable and when it did come out half of it was cold.. When querying as to the delay we were informed it was busy although there were only 3 tables with customers and all but one had been served their food. I watched one of the staff microwave a customers curry, put it on a plate and give it straight to him, not even giving the food time to rest; this to me is potentially dangerous to the health of the customer. I would not rush to go back there again as the food is not that great for the expensive price and time spent waiting. No stars are necessary we deserve the stars for the inconvience!!! (adding 1 star only to be able to post this review)Well we ate in there today and must say that waiting 30 mins for an English breakfast is unacceptable and when it did come out half of it was cold.. When querying as to the delay we were informed it was busy although there were only 3 tables with customers and all but one had been served their food. I watched one of the staff microwave a customers curry, put it on a plate and give it straight to him, not even giving the food time to rest; this to me is potentially dangerous to the health of the customer. I would not rush to go back there again as the food is not that great for the expensive price and time spent waiting. No stars are necessary we deserve the stars for the inconvience!!! (adding 1 star only to be able to post this review)